Indian cricket fraternity hails Saina Nehwal after she bags bronze medal in 2018 Asian Games

Saina's medal ended India’s 36-year drought for a medal in the singles event at the continental tournament.

India’s badminton star Saina Nehwal bagged a bronze medal at the 18th Asian Games in Indonesia on Monday (August 27). The medal ended India’s 36-year drought for a medal in the singles event at the continental tournament.

Last time an Indian won a singles medal at the Asian Games was Syed Modi in men’s singles at the 1982 Games. Nehwal had to be content with a bronze medal after suffering a straight games defeat to Chinese Taipei’s Tai Tzu Ying 17-21, 14-21.

Saina’s achievement has made everyone Indian proud. Soon after her accomplishment, cricket icon Sachin Tendulkar took to Twitter and congratulated the ace badminton player.

“Congratulations on your Bronze medal, @NSaina! May you continue making us proud. #AsianGames2018” Tendulkar’s post read.

Extending the laudatory message, India fast bowler RP Singh wrote: “Congratulations to Saina Nehwal on becoming the first Indian woman to win a medal at the Women’s Single event in #AsianGames2018. A proud moment for the country.”

Meanwhile, PV Sindhu stormed into the final of the women’s singles event after beating Akane Yamaguchi of Japan in Jakarta. The Rio Olympics silver medallist beat Yamaguchi for a third straight time in a gritty contest where Sindhu won 21-17, 15-21, 21-10. With the win, Sindhu has become the first Indian to reach the final of Asian Games in either singles or doubles.

Haling the efforts of Nehwal and Sindhu, veteran India off-spinner Harbhajan Singh wrote: “What a great day for the Indian badminton squad! @NSaina wins the bronze, and #PVSindhu confirms a spot in the finals in the #AsianGames2018!”